The victim, 46-year-old Jeff Joyner of New Bern was found shot lying face-down just inside the doorway of his house on Poplar Street.

Thomas said the defendants had concocted a plan to commit the home invasion after one claimed to have purchased drugs at Joyner's residence.

They then planned to rob everyone in the house, and even spent time conducting surveillance on the house.

After the robbery they ran from the house and Joyner chased them. That's when Thomas says Dawson shot him.

Dawson was sentenced to 21-28-years for second degree murder, armed robbery, first degree burglary and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

The other three were sentenced to 12-16-years on charges of armed robbery, first degree burglary and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Joyner's three sisters were present in court for the guilty plea proceedings, and District Attorney Scott Thomas read a victim impact statement that they had prepared.

They described how this crime of violence affected their family. Thomas said, "We are pleased all four of these defendants have accepted responsibility and pled guilty for their respective roles in this case. All four are going to prison for many years all because they wanted to steal drugs and money. Based on the evidence we had in this case, we believe the pleas and sentences are appropriate. The victim's family was supportive of this disposition and relayed their appreciation for the work of the police department and District Attorney's Office."

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.